While I definitely have my concerns about cellphone usage in the classroom, I'm also an optimist so I think that they could be used to enhance lessons and create meaningful activities. I think that we need to realize that we are in the 21st century, and technology is advancing every single day. Those who refuse to be innovative and creative in the classroom, I feel will unfortunately be left behind in the educational field. By finding ways to incorporate cellphones, which is the primary means of communication for teens these days, you are making an important connection between learning and youth culture.
I think that using cellphones as a means of documentation and data collection is a very cool idea. As a social studies major, I think it is important to find different lessons and activities that allow students to become historians rather than permanent note takers. By using the photo feature of a phone they could take pictures for presentations and to back up their facts right on their phones. Students could complete journalism projects, for example, where they study social issues. Using their own phones they could record photos, collect interviews, and create their own podcasts and narration.
I also like the idea of using cellphones to create surveys and and study tools. Surveys where students can respond right on their phone through text messaging gives them an excuse to text in class, and gives the teacher an instant response to the given question. Text reminders could also be used to remind students of important assignments, study points, and history facts of the day.
Personally, I really like the idea of using this technology in and out of the classroom to create an alternative educational experience, there just needs to be a way to keep students on task and not distracted by their phones for personal use during class.
Nikki, I really like your idea about texting reminders of assignments and having history facts for that day. I hadn't thought of either of those things and I think they would really benefit the students' schooling experience. I know that I prefer to receive text messages about class cancellations and other notices instead of voice messages or email. I believe these reminders would ensure that more students complete their assignments on time.
ReplyDeleteNikki,
ReplyDeleteYou have made me more optimistic about using cell phones in class. I also really like the idea to use phones as a way to text or send reminders for important dates and test topics. That is clever! And i fully agree that if we as educators do not update our teaching tools, our students and lesson will reflect this. I feel like our biggest task will be keeping them on task. But that is difficult for all of us, isn't it?